On 02-17-04, The Jacksonville Sheriffs Office Narcotics Unit was conducting a "buy/bust" operation in a residential community on the northwest side of the city that is known for illegal drug activity.

During the operation, several officers attempted to arrest a suspect for dealing in crack cocaine. As they attempted to place the suspect in custody a struggle ensued. During the struggle, officers attempted to utlize pepper spray to subdue the suspect who then pulled out a handgun firing at officers.

Officer Chris Sullivan was stuck in the lower abdomen below his body armor. The suspect also hit one of the unmarked cars nearby before being taken into custody by the other officers.

While the suspect was being transported to jail in a marked patrol car, he kicked out the rear window and escaped from the vehicle wearing flex cuffs. The officer driving the vehicle stated that the suspect was out of the vehicle before he could get his seatbelt off. With the help of firemen who saw the suspect running away, he was re-captured and taken into custody again.

Ofc. Sullivan was transported to Shands Hospital of Jacksonville where he was listed in serious but stable condition with non-life threatening wounds.

It is unknown at this time if any officers fired at the suspect during the incident before taken him into custody.